Need to make a demo but don't know what to play

jmaster

A singer songwriter at ICMP is looking for a band to record with and then gig with (originals) and asked me to send him a video demo. What is the format of these things generally? A song? A bit of improv? Little bits of different songs?

Helpfully, when I asked what kind of thing he's looking for he said whatever you want man just so I can get an idea...

guitarfishbay

Basically he wants to know if you can play to the standard he's looking for and to some extent will be checking out your image/performance style.

Try and play something in the style he's going for, if you know the style.  If you don't, just do a few 1 minute short clips of general styles he might be interested in.

Most people won't care if you're a good producer so don't worry if your tone/recording chain doesn't sound amazing.  Just focus on playing as well as you can and try to not look like an axe murderer.

guitarfishbay

FWIW actually replying with a video clip puts you ahead of a lot of people.  Honestly, most people wuss out when asked to do an audio or visual audition if my experiences are anything to go by.

PolarityMan

You could always ask him what he wants to see. He might give you a particular cover or tune or something.

jmaster

Thanks, the style is 'indie/pop' (whatever that means) so I'll try and do something in that area. Doesn't help that he doesn't have any demos recorded or anything

jmaster

Yeah I tried that polarity man, but he just said do whatever you want. It's tricky because I don't really have a clue what kind of music he's going for outside of indie/pop which could be a lot of things

guitarfishbay

jmaster said:

Thanks, the style is 'indie/pop' (whatever that means) so I'll try and do something in that area. Doesn't help that he doesn't have any demos recorded or anything

Have you heard him sing?  It is a bit rich if he wants demos but won't show you what he sounds like first!

jmaster

I know. I'm starting to wonder whether this is worth it, before i wouldnt have bothered with someone who wouldnt give me a demo but I'm keen to get into bands at the moment cause we've been on the course 4 weeks now and I wanna get jamming with people more

DanielT

If you make a general "this is me" demo touring a couple of styles perhaps you could send it to other bands as well.

PolarityMan

DanielT said:

If you make a general "this is me" demo touring a couple of styles perhaps you could send it to other bands as well.

I may be looking at this from a different angle being mostly interested in originals but I'd prefer to see several demo's in the same style than a load of different styles.